What to Do When a Child is Choking

What to Do When a Child is Choking

For a parent or anyone nearby, a child choking can be one of the most terrifying experiences they will ever be involved in. When a child is choking there is a limited amount of time to intervene before they will be deprived of oxygen for too long. Therefore, it is vital that parents and caregivers of small children know exactly what to do when a child is choking and how to do it. First response medical training is recommended, but if you cannot attend a training session nearby, you will want to read over this guide, so you are always prepared.

Call An Ambulance

The first thing you should do is call for emergency assistance, because regardless of the situation, you’ll want help on the way as soon as possible. If you are unable to remove the obstruction it may just save the child’s life to have them there a few seconds earlier. In the best case scenario ask someone nearby to call, so you can focus on the child.

Now you need to ascertain if the child has a fully or partially blocked airway. If the child is old enough to talk ask them if they are choking or not. If they are able to respond at all, this means that they likely have a partially blocked airway. If you determine that the airway is partially blocked, stay with the child and keep telling him or her to cough with the aim of dislodging the object. Make sure you stay with them.

The Abdominal thrusts Manoeuvre

Someone that is fully obstructed will not be able to make any sound at all. For a child that is not yet speaking the absence of any sound or crying is an indication that they are choking. If you determine that they are choking you need to call an ambulance unless you have already done this. Do not try to drive them on your own; instead you need to start the Abdominal thrusts Manoeuvre.

If the child is older than one year of age you can use the Abdominal thrusts Manoeuvre to clear the airway.

To do this, lean the person forward in front of you. Place your arms around the child and then make a fist. Grab your fist with the other hand and position the ball of fist right under the ribs. Then pull upwards abruptly. Continue to repeat the process until the airway is clear, or emergency help arrives.

If the child is less than one year of age they are not a suitable candidate for abdominal thrusts. Instead, the infant should be placed over the knee; five back blows should be given, and then five chest thrusts. While doing this keep the infant’s head angled downwards, so that gravity will help dislodge the object. Also make sure the infant’s head is supported at all times. If the infant turns blue or loses consciousness, then CPR should be started until help arrives.

By admin|2016-05-05T13:45:59+00:00November 30th, 2015|Learning|Comments Off on What to Do When a Child is Choking

Latest News

Like us on Facebook

What our clients think

Today we attended this course. This has got to be one of best first aid courses I've been on. Warren was brilliant very knowledgeable. Course was great for learning, relaxed and very professional. Everything is laid out in simple mans terms easy sayings.I would recommend his course to anyone and will happily travel from Scotland to Northern Ireland again when course needs renewed. Thank you very much Warren

Mark smith, March 2017

Fantastic delivery of a course on "First Aid at Work" yesterday by Warren at the Ulster University, Coleraine. Very highly recommend this! It just might allow you to save someone's life! someday if an event occurs. He made it very informative and interesting and engaging, 1,2,3 as he says. Please think of doing a first aid course, so that you could help to save someone's life.”

Robert Johnston, March 2017

I attended the three day first aid at work course last week. It was so interesting and made me think a lot about situations where I could be of help to someone. I'm so glad I attended. Warren & Sheryl are lovely people and great teachers.
All the best.

Catherine Black, March 2017

Warren was very knowledgeable & excellent at interacting with us rather than simply lecturing. I'm certain it will help us remember these life saving skills & give us the confidence to step up if & when we're ever needed.

Gavin Dumigan, March 2017

I spend today (Sunday) completing this course and thought it was fantastic! A big thanks to warren for his fantastic training and thanks to Killen Rangers Football Club for putting me through the course

Leah Finlay, March 2017

Very informative course, presented in an understandable and enjoyable form.

Phil Keery, (Feb 2017)

Warren clearly has a breadth of knowledge and delivers his teaching with wit, Oscar worthy - acting and professionalism.
I now feel a lot more confident should the need for these essential skills arise.
Would highly recommend.

Michael McMullan, (Jan 2017)

Just completed an fpos course. Excellent course delivered by warren. Lots of knowledge and skills gained that I can take into my job and everyday life. Highly recommended.

Andy Forsythe, (Jan 2017)

Just a short note to thank you. I enjoyed your FPOS-I course and style of teaching, l have attended first courses over the years but not to your standard of professionalism. Now filled with confidence after your practical demonstrations.

Just completed my FPOSI course and have to say it's the best run course I have ever been on. Fantastic facilities with top class instruction from Warren Sands

Mark Wilson, (April 2015)

Did the One day Emergency First Aid at Work course with Warren last week. I would highly recommend it, Great refresher. Warren is a great instructor!

Mary Gribbin, (April 2015)

Recently took a week long FPOSI course as part of the NIFRS with these guys and I have to say I was blown away! So much useful/practical information taught in a way that makes it stick with you without you even noticing. I feel more confident than ever before and I can't recommend them highly enough. Thank you so much Warren Sands and NDFA!

Gordon Armstrong, (March 2015)

Just finished my course, really enjoyed it, excellent course, Warren was a great instructor with loads of knowledge